Mossley death - police step up murder suspect search

Detectives investigating the murder of Thomas Campbell in Mossley have appealed for some specific information as they bid to trace a suspect.

John Belfield (aged 28), of the Openshaw area of Manchester, is wanted on suspicion of murder.

Thomas Campbell’s body was found by a neighbour at his home on Riverside in Mossley, at around 10.40am on Saturday, July 3, 2022.

It is believed Thomas was fatally assaulted the previous night and died because the injuries he sustained.

The Senior Investigating Officer for this investigation, Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have been working tirelessly ever since Saturday, July 3rd to find those we suspect are responsible, and we are now able to publicly say we think that Bellfield is one of those. 

“Since Thomas’ murder, we have followed a number of lines of enquiry and through extensive inquiries we can now appeal for information about Bellfield’s whereabouts.  

“We know he has links to Greater Manchester and Lancashire, but he may have travelled further afield across the UK and possibly overseas.

“Thomas suffered significant injuries over a period of time, and I must stress that we do not want members of the public to approach Bellfield.

"If you become aware of his whereabouts, please do nothing more than dial 999, quoting Operation Ravensburgh.

"He is thought to be a dangerous individual who must not be approached.

“It is also worth reminding members of the public and Belfield’s associates, in particular, that assisting an offender is a criminal offence any anyone convicted of this faces up to 10 years imprisonment.

“Thomas (above) owned at least two high-value Rolex watches that have been missing from his home address ever since his death, and we ask if anyone has any information about these to let us know as they may prove to be a crucial line of enquiry. 

“Eleven people have been arrested so far and three people have previously been charged in connection with Thomas’ death.

"The team continues to investigate this serious and complex investigation and are following many lines of enquiry to identify those responsible in playing a part in his death."

In a tribute to Thomas, his family said: “Tom was a loving son, brother, uncle and devoted father who was always smiling.

"He would go out of his way to help his family and friends without a second thought.

"We would ask anyone with information to come forward and help secure justice as his children miss him dearly.”

Police have a dedicated portal for anyone to submit images or video footage to help their ongoing inquiries here

Anyone with information should contact officers, on 0161 856 6377, or using GMP’s LiveChat facility on: www.gmp.police.uk, or alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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